Self-Harm on the Rise Among Teen Girls. Signs of Self-Harm and What to Do.

Self-Harm on the Rise Among Teen Girls.

Teen girls are much more likely to self-harm than boys, and the dangerous practice is on the rise.

That’s the conclusion of a new British study that also found a strong link between self-harm — practices such as cutting or burning oneself — and a higher risk of suicide.

Researchers reviewed information from nearly 650 general practices in the United Kingdom. The records had data on almost 9,000 patients aged 10 to 19 who self-harmed between 2001 and 2014. The investigators compared those children to more than 170,000 kids who didn’t self-harm, matched for age and gender.

The rate of self-harm was about three times higher among girls than boys. The rate rose 68 percent among girls ages 13 to 16 from 2011 to 2014.

Referrals to mental health services within 12 months of self-harming were 23 percent less likely for children in the poorest areas, even though the rates of self-harm were higher in these areas.

The researchers also found that children and teens who self-harmed had a nine times increased risk of death from non-natural causes. The risk from suicide and alcohol/drug poisoning was especially pronounced.

The high self-harm rate among teen girls may be due to common mental health problems in females at this age. Biological factors such as puberty and onset of sexual activity may also play a role in self-harm, according to lead researcher Cathy Morgan, from the University of Manchester, and colleagues.

The researchers said there is some evidence that common mental health disorders are on the rise among teens. This may be because they “are living in more stressful times,” Morgan’s team said.

The study findings “emphasize the urgent need for integrated care involving families, schools and health care provision to enhance safety among these distressed young people in the short term, and to help secure their future mental health and well-being,” the study authors concluded.

The study was published Oct. 18, 2017 in BMJ and reported in a news article by HealthDayNews,

What are signs of self-harm in others?

Having unexplained cuts, bruises, or scars; look for bandages in trash cans.

Wearing long sleeves or pants even in hot weather

Making excuses about injuries

Having sharp objects around for no clear reason

What to do when someone self-harms.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI),

If you’re worried a family member or friend might be hurting herself, ask her how she’s doing and be prepared to listen to the answer, even if it makes you uncomfortable. This may be a hard subject to understand. One of the best things is tell them that while you may not fully understand, you’ll be there to help. Don’t dismiss emotions or try to turn it into a joke.

Gently encourage someone to get treatment by stating that self-harm isn’t uncommon and doctors and therapists can help. If possible, offer to help find treatment. But don’t go on the offensive and don’t try to make the person promise to stop, as it takes more than willpower to quit.

Keep in mind that this is a behavior that might be part of a larger condition and there may be additional signs of emotional distress.